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Piece By Piece is solid, there's no doubting that, but there's no real risk here from Kelly Clarkson, and thus, it's hard to give her any real reward. While she shines in what she knows ("Heartbeat Song"), there's too much of that and too little of interesting pop music that's new here, though the tracks that do reflect that are major stars. -
Ibeyi's Self-Titled Debut Proves the Newest Worthy Member of The XL Recordings Roster
Society always celebrates the records that top the Billboard 200 album chart. Back of The Billboards is a Music Times weekly segment that looks at the opposite end: the new record that finished closest to the back of the Billboard 200 for the previous week. We hope to give a fighting chance to the bands you haven't heard of. This week we look at Ibeyi's debut self-titled LP, which puts the talents of the French-Cuban twins, and pretty much only their talents, on display. -
Junk Mail: Big Sean 'Dark Sky Paradise' Album Review
I think Dark Sky Paradise was a solid effort for Big Sean. I don't think it puts him in the same league as Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole, but I definitely see a lot of Drake similarities as far as the way his style has developed. I think this is just the beginning of a strong career for Sean, who had been floundering for sometime in the hip-hop world, trying to make a name for himself. He can spit with the best of him and his sound has definitely matured. There are a handful of solid hits that I think will help propel him to the next level and give him a new audience. -
Big Sean 'Dark Sky Paradise' Listening Party: Rapper Talks Ariana Grande, Kanye West, John Legend, Grandmother's Death & More
Rapper Big Sean released his third studio album "Dark Sky Paradise" and gave a special listening party for Hot 97 and some die-hard fans in New York City. The Detroit native opened up about his track, "One Man Can Change The World" where he dedicates the emotional single to his late grandmother, Mildred V Leonard, who passed away in December and his relationship with singer Ariana Grande who is also featured on bonus track "Research." -
JD McPherson Does Best Playing Roadhouse-Happy Rock on Second Album 'Let The Good Times Roll'
JD McPherson specializes in shufflin' roots rock, which is what he does best during 'Let The Good Times Roll,' his second LP from Rounder Records. -
Junk Mail: Imagine Dragons 'Smoke + Mirrors' Album Review
Imagine Dragons show lyrical growth and some musical strength on its new album, making 'Smoke + Mirrors' a solid follow-up to the breakthrough 'Night Visions.' -
Blind Guardian Celebrates 20th Anniversary of 'Imaginations' with More Epic Sequel 'Beyond The Red Mirror'
Blind Guardian has been around for roughly 30 years now, and at no point was it higher than during 1995, when it released the acclaimed Imaginations From The Other Side, a concept album tracing a typical sci-fi/fantasy storyline across two dimensions. Now, 20 years later, the band has returned to the same narrative. -
Junk Mail: 'FIfty Shades of Grey' Soundtrack Featuring Beyoncé, Sia, Ellie Goulding, The Weeknd & More
It's our first soundtrack for Junk Mail, and is there any better initiation than Fifty Shades of Grey? I feel like a critical virgin, just waiting for the goddess within to blossom with some major musical whippings. And even though Christian Grey may come at Anastasia Steele hard in this book/movie, the music is really tender and loving. There's also a definite sonic theme. Oh, and Beyonce. The FIfty Shades of Grey OST has Bey. -
XXL Class of 2014 Member Jarren Benton Is All-Verses-No-Hooks on EP 'Slow Motion Vol. 1'
XXL Class of 2014 member Jarren Benton has all the verses and none of the hooks on 'Slow Motion Vol. 1' EP. -
Junk Mail: Fifth Harmony 'Reflection' Album Review
As a debut album, Reflection is a success. Fifth Harmony show they are able to conquer the radio-friendly anthems that will elevate them to superstar level, but also have a more thoughtful side that empowers women. It may be a little top heavy, but the A-list tracks carry those that may not stand the test of time. The production is sleek, vocals well-executed and choice pop culture references pack an extra punch to the album. -
Leonard Cohen's Starbucks Greatest Hits 'Opus Collection' Reflects Sales Influence of Coffee Empire
This week we look at Leonard Cohen's new album 'Opus Collection,' the newest edition of Starbucks' exclusive greatest hits collections. -
Junk Mail: Ne-Yo 'Non-Fiction' Album Review
Does Ne-Yo's new album "Non-Fiction" live up to the grand story he's trying to tell?
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